Key slots vacant for last 10 years; lack of digital database affecting transparency. PHOTO: FILE
A shortage of manpower and the lack of a digital database system have been hampering the performance of a premier regulatory body of medical profession.
A number of important posts at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) have been lying vacant for the last ten years. Talking to The Express Tribune, sources in the council said due to the absence of proper database management system bulk of records has gone missing.
This came into knowledge when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked the council for records in the fake medical colleges and medical practitioners’ case, they said.
The authority since its establishment lacks an information technology section which could upload registration data of medical and dental practitioners, faculty and medical students on its website on a daily basis, the sources said.
“There is an official website of PMDC which too is not updated timely.
The lower grade staff, who do not even have the basic know-how of IT, are to do computer-related work here,” said the sources.
PMDC recently requested the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to upgrade its official website and facilitate PMDC in the development of computerised database of its records.
Meanwhile, around ten key slots including director general, deputy/ assistant registrar, secretary, director administration, legal officer and treasurer are lying vacant for the last ten years for which a certain interest group, which wants to monopolise the authority’s affairs, is believed to be responsible.
“These vacancies along with an IT expert have been advertised in various leading Urdu and English dailies a number of times and a large number of applications were received against them, but no one was called for an interview,” claimed the sources.
When contacted, PMDC Spokesman Jumma Mandokhel said the council has advertised the vacant positions and appointments will be made soon adding that computer experts will also be hired to maintain the data.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.
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